Like the other 30 NHL general managers watching the playoffs, Sens GM Steve Staios is likely studying the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers to better understand what sets them apart from the team he runs.

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At the end of the regular season, exactly one staffer at The Athletic still picked Edmonton to win it all. And one staffer picked Florida. That’s it. We should have known better. The Oilers and Panthers did. The fact is, to a great team, home ice is nice. But it’s not a must.

With the "dynasty" word being floated freely as the Florida Panthers prepare for their third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearance, the public has been backing the Edmonton Oilers to avoid a repeat of last year's finals.